Conservation doesn’t exist in isolation. In Uganda’s Bwindi region, home to critically important mountain gorilla populations, community wellbeing and environmental protection are deeply connected.
SAFARI FRANK supported a targeted clean energy installation in Bwindi through our partnership with GivePower and Ride 4 a Woman. This was a dedicated infrastructure project designed to provide reliable solar power to Ride 4 a Woman, a women-led community organisation operating adjacent to gorilla habitat.
This focussed project was designed to support and strengthen a conservation-aligned community partner.
Why this project mattered
Ride 4 a Woman empowers local women through skills training, employment and enterprise development in the Bwindi region. However, unreliable power supply limited their ability to operate efficiently, expand programs and grow sustainable income streams.
The solar installation provided stable, renewable energy, enabling:
- Greater operational reliability.
- Business growth and long-term sustainability.
- Increased employment opportunities for women in the community.
- Reduced reliance on inconsistent and costly power sources.
This project strengthened an organisation that directly supports families living alongside protected gorilla habitat.
Our involvement
In partnership with GivePower, Ride 4 a Woman, and conservation advocate Deborah Thompson, SAFARI FRANK has helped fund and unlock large-scale solar power installations that support community centres, women-led enterprises and conservation-linked organisations.
- SAFARI FRANK donated USD 10,000 toward the first Ride 4 a Woman solar power project.
- A further USD 5,000 pledge helped unlock USD 129,000 in approved clean-energy infrastructure.
- These contributions catalysed nearly USD 249,000 in clean-energy impact across Uganda and Kenya.
- 100% of funds go directly into projects, with GivePower covering all administrative costs.
Read more about the projects here.
Conservation impact
By improving access to clean energy, these projects:
- Support women-led community enterprises.
- Improve education, safety and economic stability.
- Strengthen long-term conservation outcomes in the Bwindi region.
Uganda Power is a long-term commitment. These projects build on earlier installations and continue to expand as funding and opportunities grow.
About Ride 4 a Woman
Established in Uganda in 2009 by Evelyn Habasa and her husband Denis, Ride 4 a Woman was created to support local women facing HIV, domestic violence and extreme poverty in the town of Buhoma.
The organisation began by repairing bicycles, an essential form of local transport, while training women in bicycle repair. Over time, the initiative expanded into a community centre that provides employment, education and business opportunities.
Today Ride 4 a Woman runs multiple programs including handmade craft production, sewing, basket weaving, tourism lodging, a café and performance initiatives. These enterprises help fund social services that support women, children and families across Buhoma Parish.
The organisation also provides clean water access, counselling, job training and microloans to help women start their own businesses.
Impact of Ride 4 a Woman
- Supports more than 300 local women affected by domestic violence, HIV and poverty
- Employs 54 women producing handcrafted goods and 17 staff running the facilities
- Provides scholarships and education support to 86 children
- Helped create over 100 small businesses through microloans
- Provides more than 150 litres of clean water daily through community filtration systems
- Supports residents of Buhoma Parish, a community of approximately 7,000 people
About GivePower
GivePower is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation dedicated to delivering the environmental and social benefits of clean, renewable energy worldwide.
Using solar and battery storage technologies, GivePower provides essential services such as clean power and clean water to underserved communities across Africa, Asia and Latin America.
The organisation has helped bring sustainable infrastructure to communities in more than 25 countries.
Recognition
• Fast Company 2021 World Changing Ideas Awards
• Best World Changing Idea North America
• Developing World Technology Award
• Energy Globe Award recipient
• Guidestar Gold rated U.S. non-profit
Be part of the change
Your donation supports clean energy solutions that protect gorilla habitat and uplift local communities in Uganda.
